What photography style do you bring to Gate Street Barn?

I shoot in a natural, documentary-led style—focusing on real moments, raw emotion, and the genuine story of your wedding day at Gate Street Barn.

How well do you know Gate Street Barn as a photographer?

Very well. I’ve shot many weddings here, and I know the barn, the gardens, the Orangery, the Pheasantry, and all the secret corners that make for beautiful, authentic photos.

Why is Gate Street Barn a favourite for outdoor and indoor wedding photography?

Gate Street Barn is perfect for all seasons: its rustic oak-beamed Barn is wonderful for indoor ceremonies, while the landscaped gardens and woodland make for gorgeous outdoor portraits.

Where do couples typically have their ceremony at Gate Street Barn?

You can be married in the main oak Barn, or choose more natural settings in the woodland or Farmhouse Avenue — both are licensed for civil ceremonies.

What are the best spots for wedding portraits at this venue?

I love using the garden, the courtyard, and the orchard paths. Because I know the venue well, I can find the most flattering light and backdrops that feel personal to your day.

How do you handle the 'getting ready' part of the day?

Gate Street Barn has two dedicated prep rooms — the Tack Room and the Old Dairy — with plenty of natural light. I capture natural moments in both spaces, documenting the calm (or excitement!) before the ceremony.

How do you manage low-light conditions inside the barn?

I use high-end, low-light gear that lets me shoot without harsh flash. That way I preserve the warm, intimate mood created by the chandeliers and sconces in the Barn.

Do you capture the architectural features of the venue?

Yes — the historic oak structure, the elegant connections via the Orangery, and the Pheasantry’s windows all make visually rich and meaningful photographic elements.

How do you photograph the drinks reception?

I move quietly around the Orangery, the gardens, and the Pheasantry, capturing candid interactions, laughter, and moments of calm among guests without disrupting the flow.

Are you experienced shooting weddings at Gate Street Barn in different seasons?

Definitely. Whether it's a summer garden wedding or a cosy winter celebration with wood-burning stoves, I adapt my style to reflect the seasonal beauty of Gate Street.

Can you photograph both large guest lists and intimate weddings here?

Yes — Gate Street Barn seats up to 150 for the ceremony and 200 for the evening reception, so I’m comfortable working with a full guest list or something more intimate.

How do you capture evening celebrations and dancing?

I use available light like the barn’s interior lighting or outdoor festoon lights to document dancing, toasts, and evening fun naturally, without intrusive lighting.

Do you work discreetly during the wedding day?

Yes — my style is understated. I aim to be almost unnoticed so that guests behave naturally and the images remain genuine and unforced.

How do you photograph group photos at Gate Street Barn?

I recommend using the courtyard or garden for group shots because space is great and light tends to be flattering. But I’m flexible depending on your layout and timing.

Can you capture wildlife or farm details during the day?

Yes! Gate Street is a working farm, with English Longhorn cattle and pastoral features, which can make for very distinctive and authentic countryside images.

What about accommodation? Do you photograph that too?

I do. Gate Street has six on-site units, including the Farmhouse, Shepherd’s Hut, and the Hayloft — I can document your whole weekend if you’re staying there.

Do you shoot weddings in the woodland area?

Absolutely — the woodland location is truly magical for ceremony or portraits. It offers shaded paths and a peaceful backdrop that works beautifully for natural, story-driven photography.

How long do you stay on the wedding day to capture everything?

I typically stay through the reception, speeches, and into the evening celebration — ensuring I capture the full arc of your Gate Street Barn wedding story.

How many final images will we receive from Gate Street Barn?

You’ll receive a comprehensive gallery of fully edited images — usually between 400–600 — covering emotional moments, venue details, and all the highlights of your day.

Why should we choose you as our Gate Street Barn wedding photographer?

Because I know this venue inside-out, I understand its character, and I bring a relaxed, documentary style that reflects real connections, beautiful light, and the authenticity of your wedding day.

Gate Street Barn Wedding Photos

Gate Street Barn was the location of one of the very first weddings I ever shot, and I’m delighted to now be one of their recommended photographers. I taught at one of the schools nearby and shot the wedding of one of the other teachers, with lots of our colleagues in attendance. Gate Street is one of most well established barn wedding venues near my home. Check out one of my favourite Gate Street Barn wedding photos barn HERE.

Gate Street Barn, An Oasis Of Calm In The Lush Countryside

Just a short drive from the centre of Guildford, Gate Street Barn is a private, yet welcoming venue, that seem to give you a little hug as you walk through its doors. Gate Street Barn is built in the traditional style using wood from oak trees lost on the farm in the 1987 hurricane. It boasts landscaped gardens and even views of a hobby herd of English Longhorn cattle.

6 Reasons To Get Married At Gate Street Barn

If you’ve just begun the process of planning for your wedding then, first of all congratulations, but secondly, do please take a moment to read my five reasons to chose Gate Street Barn as your venue (and do of course take a peak at some of my favourite photos from this amazing wedding venue) It’s a wonderful place to photograph.

1 . A Perfectly Proportioned Wedding Venue

Not so big that it feels overwhelming, Gate Street Barn is to my mind, perfectly proportioned to make you feel at home, and comfortable on a day when the nerves might be jangling! The enclosed courtyard at the front of the barn is the perfect area for family to gather after the ceremony for some formal group photos, while guests stretch their legs and catch up with one another in the garden to the rear.

Renovation to Gate Street Barn in recent years have made what was already a wonderful venue, into one that has even more light and space to enjoy. The new Orangery offers protection if the great British weather isn’t on your side, and it connects the barn to the Pheasantry, a lovely space for your guests to congregate before the ceremony, and to relax in the evening.

2 . Adaptable & Always Evolving

Way back in I think 2007, I photographed my first wedding at Gate Street Barn. It was a beautiful Surrey wedding venue then, but as I write this, I’m reminded of the saying “The only constant in business is change”. It’s a saying that is certainly relevant to my own area of photography, but it seems to be a mantra that the team at Gate Street Barn have also taken to heart in recent years.

During my last Gate Street Barn wedding photography, I was delighted to see how recent renovation had transformed the bridal prep room beyond recognition! The space is now flooded with natural light and the increase in space makes for a very calming atmosphere (or as much as is possible in the hours leading up to your wedding!) For couples wanting to do things a little differently, there are now wonderful outdoor spaces to tie the knot, and a fantastic list or recommended suppliers to help make your dream wedding a reality. Well done team!

the bride and bridesmaids getting ready at Gate Street Barn

I love photographing the father of the bride's reaction

family coming together to celebrate a wedding

the newleyweds enjoying confetti after getting married at Gate Street Barn

bride and groom portraits at Gate Street Barn in Surrey

3 . Great DJ And Live Music Venue

Staff at the barn are expert in turning around the space from the wedding breakfast to “party mode” in record time, and after dark, with the barn filled with music and lights, you and your guests will have a night to remember! There’s still plenty of room for some seating and tables and break out areas for a photo booth, evening food to be served, or for guests to mingle at the bar.

Chris at Chess Disco, Gate Street Barns “in-house” DJ is one of the kindest people you could ever hope to meet. He must have worked 1000s of weddings in his time but is still able to give every couple the care and attention on their day that you would expect. I’ve also seen some great life bands at the barn are there are plenty to choose from on their website.

4 . Wonderful Opportunities For Portraits

In my experience, no couple wants to be dragged away from their wedding for too long, but they would like to spend a bit of time together and create some memorable shots. The layout at Gate Street Barn is perfect to take a short walk with your photographer, creating a set of pictures along the way that make the most of the backdrop and the land that surrounds the barn.

As someone with experience of shooting at Gate Street Barn throughout the year, I can also recommend locations that won’t have you shivering in winter, or tricking for too long on a hot summers day. The first step in creating a nice set of portraits is to set the right mood, and Gate Street Barn does this throughout the seasons.

5 . Space For The Bride And Groom

You might feel you want to get ready at home, and it’s lovely to capture photos when you’re surrounded by things that might trigger childhood memories, in a space where you feel comfortable, but at Gate Street Barn space is available for both you and your other half, to get ready before the ceremony.

As a documentary wedding photographer I love to capture as much of the day as possible. At Gate Street Barn, if there are natural lull in the activity in one area, or you need a bit of privacy, I’ll take myself off to another area of the barn, and show you in your pictures the other stories that were going on in the build up to the ceremony.

6 . Fabulous Catering

Over many years Gate Street Barn have build up a fantastic selection of approved caterers that deliver exceptional food. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing amazing dishes emanate from the kitchen. Ive seen dishes that have little twists to suit the couple, I’ve seen big sharing platters and I’ve seen cake and desserts served on the lawn after the speeches.

There’s even a fire pit if you like toasting marshmallows and making s’mores! Your guests will enjoy your day no matter what, but getting the catering right, will guarantee that everyone has an amazing time. From the beautifully presented canapés that come out after the ceremony, to an evening hog roast or pizza van, the food at weddings is one element the lingers in the memory for a long time.

Gate Street Recommended Photographer

I’m a documentary style wedding photographer based in Guildford just a short drive from Gate Street Barn. I have over ten years experience of shooting weddings. My approach to weddings means a little time for portraits and group photos, and lots of time for natural, candid storytelling “moment-driven” photos of you and your loved ones together.